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Current Pain and Headache Reports
Published in: Current Pain and Headache Reports 8/2014

01-08-2014 | Psychiatric Management of Pain (M Clark, Section Editor)

The Risk of Suicide Mortality in Chronic Pain Patients

Authors: Afton L. Hassett, Jordan K. Aquino, Mark A. Ilgen

Published in: Current Pain and Headache Reports | Issue 8/2014

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Abstract

Chronic pain has long been considered an important risk factor for suicidal behavior. Less well understood are the factors associated with the increased risk for suicide death within chronic pain populations. The purpose of this review is to examine recent research with regard to rates of and risk factors for suicide mortality in patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain. We conclude that patients with a number of chronic pain states are at increased risk for suicide death, and that this risk appears to be due, at least in part, to other well-known correlates of pain such as depression and substance use disorders. However, in all likelihood, there are aspects of chronic pain itself that add uniquely to an individual’s suicide risk profile. Lastly, we address a theoretical perspective and offer recommendations for clinical practice.
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Metadata
Title
The Risk of Suicide Mortality in Chronic Pain Patients
Authors
Afton L. Hassett
Jordan K. Aquino
Mark A. Ilgen
Publication date
01-08-2014
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Current Pain and Headache Reports / Issue 8/2014
Print ISSN: 1531-3433
Electronic ISSN: 1534-3081
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11916-014-0436-1

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